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Digital Single Market: European Parliament vote to tear down digital barriers

Date

19 Jan 2016

Sections

InfoSociety

Innovation & Enterprise

Social Europe & Jobs

"Accelerating the digitalisation of industry is crucial for boosting job creation and growth in Europe and it concerns all sectors of the economy, from industry to services, education and the public sector. When completed, a Digital Single Market in the EU would bring significant impetus to European technology businesses and start-ups. It is estimated that bringing down digital barriers within the EU could contribute an additional €415 billion to the EU-wide GDP", said Henna Virkkunen MEP, co-shadow Rapporteur, following today's adoption in the European Parliament of the Digital Single Market Strategy.

She also pointed out the importance of creating an innovation-friendly policy that facilitates market entry and fair and effective competition.

"We welcome the business models that come with the digitalisation of the economy", she said.

"Completing the Digital Single Market will allow Europe to catch up with the United States by strengthening the competitiveness of its industry and by facing global digital giants. It is of great concern that wages and productivity are about one third lower in the EU than in the United States. In new member countries, they are less than 30% percent of the US level", said Philippe Juvin MEP, also a European Parliament co-shadow Rapporteur on the Digital Single Market Strategy.